Reviewing shows gives me the opportunity to see productions in locations I never thought would have shows like in a library. It was surreal feeling being around old books while modern music was playing in the background with Maybelline (the star of this one woman show) was dancing at the side of stage getting ready for the show to begin-Maybelline’s energy was infectious even before she got on stage. Wearing nothing but yellow lingerie-the reason for this attire becomes clear during the show.
Maybelline Is In Her Slut Era is a cabaret show that is based on Maybelline’s real experiences with men, a girl and lots of sex. Maybelline cleverly used statistics like nationality, age and WHS incidents to breakdown her sex life and inject comedy into the show. The use of a tv screen helped convey her story which is not too different to many women who are dating the opposite sex. Women in the audience laughed and related to Maybelline’s anecdotes of men’s text responses when they appeared on the screen. This show was very interactive with Maybelline getting the audience to sing with her and participate as characters- building a rapport with the crowd.
The heart of the show was Maybelline accepting she is a flawed protagonist but calling out the double standards between men and women when it comes to sex and relationships. It is refreshing to see a woman be so sex positive and not ashamed of being who they are despite the stigma in society about women enjoying sex.
Nothing was left off the table in Maybelline Is In Her Slut Era- the show mostly lighthearted and empowering did indulge in heartbreak, sadness, and vulnerability. You could feel Maybelline’s hurt and pain while she recounting her tale of falling in love and that love not working out. I couldn’t help but feel empathy and the urge to hug her.
It wasn’t just Maybelline’s relatability and charm that made the show- it was also her vocal talent and clever way of changing lyrics of popular songs by Katy Perry, Britney Spears and Patti Page. It was her rendition of a Chappell Roan song that you knew Maybelline is going to be ok, no matter what life and men throw at her.
Maybelline Is In Her Era was an extremely funny ( I laughed out loud multiple times) and poignant show and I know Maybelline will grow as performer considering this was her first Fringe show. There were a few moments where Maybelline got lost and her mentor had to help her remember a line. It happens to the best of us and these moments made her more likeable as it showed she was human. Definitely, a show to see with friends and cringe about our own experience with a guy that starts with J.
I give this show 4 stars